Breathtaking’ Memorial Day

Thursday

May 31, 2007 at 12:01 AMMay 31, 2007 at 9:41 AM

The morning drizzle falling on Cohasset didn’t deter hundreds of residents from coming out to salute their veterans in the least. As if to nod to the town’s veterans as well, the sun broke through the clouds as scores of veterans arrived at the harbor leaving Veterans Memorial Park bathed in sunshine. A brisk breeze never failed and the flags of our nation’s 50 states and the 383 Field of Honor flags were outstretched and waving in the wind.

American Legion Post Commander Stephen Wigmore welcomed the crowd and contested that the turnout may be one of the largest in his 49 years of attending Cohasset’s Memorial Day observances, “it’s a tribute to the people of Cohasset, I applaud you.”

The backdrop to the ceremony, Cohasset’s inner harbor, was enhanced by this year’s addition of the Healing Field of flags set up on the corner of Border and Summer streets, across from Veterans Park. Each of the flags was purchased by a resident and dedicated in honor of a family member or friend. Due to the popularity of the Field of Honor, the Legion plans to double its size for next year’s Memorial Day and place the American flags in other locations in town.

Cohasset Memorial Day Ceremony
Nancy White

The morning drizzle falling on Cohasset didn’t deter hundreds of residents from coming out to salute their veterans in the least. As if to nod to the town’s veterans as well, the sun broke through the clouds as scores of veterans arrived at the harbor leaving Veterans Memorial Park bathed in sunshine. A brisk breeze never failed and the flags of our nation’s 50 states and the 383 Field of Honor flags were outstretched and waving in the wind.

American Legion Post Commander Stephen Wigmore welcomed the crowd and contested that the turnout may be one of the largest in his 49 years of attending Cohasset’s Memorial Day observances, “it’s a tribute to the people of Cohasset, I applaud you.”

Cohasset Memorial Day Ceremony

The backdrop to the ceremony, Cohasset’s inner harbor, was enhanced by this year’s addition of the Healing Field of flags set up on the corner of Border and Summer streets, across from Veterans Park. Each of the flags was purchased by a resident and dedicated in honor of a family member or friend. Due to the popularity of the Field of Honor, the Legion plans to double its size for next year’s Memorial Day and place the American flags in other locations in town.

“Seeing the flags as we came around the corner was breathtaking,” commented Deidre Wigmore, American Legion Auxiliary President.

Sons Of The American Legion Commander, Tom Wigmore, seconded the sentiment, “it is quite a tribute to the veterans and men and women in service.”

As the crowd, a cross section of town from young families to senior citizens, awaited the arrival of the parade many children ran through the Healing Field with joy on their faces to remind all present of the freedom soldiers, sailors and airmen have fought for and still fight for today. Many residents arrived early to the harbor to stroll through the memorial and read the names of the many Cohasset men and women who have served during wartime.

The parade arrived at the Veterans Memorial Park shortly before noon, the color guard and veterans, decked out in their service uniforms, led the way cheered along by applause from onlookers. Members from the Daughters of the American Revolution, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, the flower girls, the Cohasset High School Band and the Rusty Skippers followed close behind.

After welcoming addresses from Legion representatives and a prayer from Rev. John Mulvehill of St. Anthony’s Parish, the Cohasset High band played “Glory, Glory, Hallelujah” and veteran Joseph Hamilton recited the poem, “In Flanders Field” written by John McCrae during WWI.

Featured speaker, Captain Donald Staszko, a veteran of the US Air Force who fought in Vietnam, spoke on the Cohasset community need to continue their support of veterans and veteran services.

“Cohasset has always graciously answered the call to defend our nation and the principles of democracy that this great country represents. We all should be proud of this fact,” he said.

“For such a small community, Cohasset has contributed beyond its dimension. The men and women of this community have willingly and courageously stepped forward when this nation has called,” Staszko listed by name some of the Cohasset veterans from as far back as the Civil War up to the present War on Terror.

“Take a moment — today or at some point — to read the names on these granite walls, and contemplate the sacrifices that these men and women have made for us,” he said, “that is why we can never forget them.”

“Not all wars are popular. I served in an unpopular war: Vietnam. Yet, today we honor our faithful servants not out of politics or the popularity of a single war, but because of their devotion to duty,” Staszko said each person has a responsibility to look after those who have served — not just for a few years but for a lifetime. He encouraged the community and the nation to support veterans’ benefits and to care for those who served.

“We need to stand with these veterans forever. They deserve our awe and our admiration.”

To close the ceremony, a wreath was placed at the front of the memorial to commemorate those Cohasset residents who have lost their lives fighting for the country. The flower girls cast their bouquets into the harbor for those sailors lost to the sea, and with taps playing in the background fired shots in the air. The Cohasset High School accompanied by the Rusty Skippers played the National Anthem and the American flag was raised to full staff. The wind picked up and the red, white and blue waved in the breeze.